Ozzy Osbourne’s final concert, “Back to the Beginning,” generated £33.8 million (approximately $45.5 million) in economic impact. A new analysis reported by the BBC revealed these figures.
Regional economists from the University of Birmingham conducted the study to assess the true financial impact of the Prince of Darkness’s last performance. The findings also debunk earlier rumors suggesting the concert generated around $200 million.
“As regional economists from the University of Birmingham, we thought we would do our bit to honour Ozzy’s legacy by estimating the economic impact of his last gig,” Dr Matt Lyons said. He conducted the analysis.
Dr Lyons emphasized the broader significance of Osbourne’s contribution beyond just financial metrics.
“The impact of the Prince of Darkness obviously goes far beyond the financial impact his gigs and TV shows have netted,” he continued. “Ozzy is a global legend, and his gift of incredible music, and now his final economic impact, will go on to benefit his home city far into the future.”
This new report came in after Sharon Osbourne had previously disputed the claims that the farewell show made around $160 million.
In an interview with Pollstar, Sharon said, “One of the things that’s frightening me is all this false press about [how], we’ve made $140 million and all of this, and I’m like, God, I wish we could have, for one gig. It’s just ridiculous, the different stories. I went on the internet the next morning, and it was like, $140 million, $160 million. And I’m like, Where does this stuff come from?”
“It takes a really long time [to work out the sums involved], because we’ve had all of the bands that we had come in and their expenses, and it’ll take a good six weeks to get the final number,” Osbourne continued.
Ara City Radio reported that the concert held on July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham drew 42,000 fans. Ticket prices ranged from £197.50 to £834. The event also attracted 5.8 million viewers via livestream globally, demonstrating Ozzy’s enduring international appeal.
The concert featured a remarkable reunion. Vinyl Me Please noted that Ozzy performed with his original Black Sabbath bandmates for the first time since 2005. The event also included guest performances from major rock acts such as Metallica and Guns N’ Roses. Jason Momoa hosted the proceedings while Tom Morello directed them.
Beyond the musical performances, the concert served a significant charitable purpose. Ara City Radio confirmed that the event raised substantial funds for causes including Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice. It became recognized as the highest-grossing charity concert ever.
The economic analysis revealed that about £27.6 million ($37 million) was retained within the West Midlands region. This provided a substantial boost to the local economy. Around 20% of tickets were purchased by international fans, reflecting Ozzy’s worldwide appeal. This contributed to the broader economic impact on Birmingham’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
The analysis provides clarity on the actual economic benefits generated by the farewell concert. It dispels significantly inflated figures that had circulated previously while confirming the event’s status as both a musical milestone and powerful charitable effort.
